Page 105 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I nod, grateful for his understanding but still unprepared to spill my insecurities. Instead, I muster a small smile. "It's nothing. Let's just enjoy this moment."

Alex chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You're a tough nut to crack, Bella."

His teasing breaks the tension, and I relax in his arms.

Alex remains a constant presence by my side for the rest of the night. We dance to slow songs and more upbeat tunes, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. We mingle with the other guests between dances, exchanging pleasantries and laughter. Alex introduces me to some of his friends and Hal’s relatives and I'm struck by how welcoming and friendly they all are.

Alex seizes every opportunity to touch me, whether it's a gentle squeeze of my hand, a subtle caress of my back, or simply wrapping his arm around my waist. Each gesture sends a rush of warmth through me, dispelling any lingering doubts or insecurities.

As Kimmy and Hal prepare to leave, Kimmy wraps her arms around me in a warm and heartfelt hug. Her eyes sparkle with happiness as she holds me close. "Bella," she says with a grin, "hopefully, the next wedding will be yours."

My stomach flutters at the thought, and I return her hug, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. "Maybe," I reply and shrug playfully. “Weirder things have happened. But,” I say, glancing over at Jess, who is flirting shamelessly with one of Hal’s brothers. “Jess is giving it her all in the competition.”

Kimmy chuckles, and she gives me one final squeeze before releasing me and turning back to her new husband, sharing a look that would rival any romance novel cover. It's a subtle affirmation that love is a beautiful and unpredictable journey, and I can't help but feel a surge of hope and excitement for the future.

I scan the bustling reception hall, looking for Alex. He's nowhere to be seen among the sea of smiling faces and dancing couples. An uneasy feeling starts to creep over me, but I push it aside, hoping he's caught up in a conversation or helping out with something.

Jess drags me onto the dance floor, and I don’t resist. We laugh and twirl, and the world fades away for a while. But as the songs blend into one another, I begin to feel a need for fresh air, for a moment of solitude to clear my head.

Where is Alex?

I excuse myself and step outside into the cool night air. The serene silence of the night is a stark contrast to the bustling reception inside. I take a deep breath, relishing the calm.

But my peace is short-lived as I hear a couple arguing, one voice all too familiar. As I round the corner of the venue, my heart stops. In a dimly lit area, I see Alex, his back to me, engaged in a heated conversation with Angie. My stomach clenches at the sight of them together.

Angie spots me, and her gaze is piercing like shards of glass being thrown my way, but then a wicked smirk spreads across her lips. She wraps her arms around Alex’s neck and pulls him into a passionate kiss.

My heart feels like it's been ripped apart, and the world around me blurs into a whirlwind of confusion and pain. Without a second thought, I turn and run, the courtyard and its painful scene quickly disappearing behind me.

“Bella,” Alex’s voice calls out behind me.

Tears blur my vision, each step echoing the torment in my heart. All I can think of is escaping the pain, humiliation, and overwhelming heartbreak that threatens to consume me.

As I run through the dimly lit parking lot, I feel a crushing weight on my chest. Desperation to get away forces my every step, and I don't notice the figure that suddenly steps into my path.

I collide with him, nearly stumbling to the ground. Strong arms reach out to steady me, and I look up, my vision still blurred by tears.

Sebastian.

His concerned gaze search mine. "Are you alright?" he asks, his voice laced with worry.

I can't find the words to respond. All I can do is shake my head and let the tears flow freely. In this moment of vulnerability, I'm grateful for his presence, even though it's a stark reminder that I made the wrong choice by choosing Alex.

“Are you hurt?” Sebastian asks, those dark eyes searching mine.

I take a shaky breath and speak through the tears, "I just need to call an Uber."

"I can wait with you until it arrives or drive you home."

My heart aches, torn between my heartbreak and gratitude for his kindness. I consider his offer momentarily, unsure of what to do next.

"Bella." Alex’s deep voice resonates behind me. "Let me explain.”

I turn slowly. His eyes are pleading, but my heart is a tangled mess. The image of him kissing Angie burns in my mind, and I don't know if I can bear to hear his explanation.

"Bella, please," he implores, taking a step closer, his eyes filled with desperation.

I hold up a trembling hand, stopping him in his tracks.

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